Red Lake?

[moreyes]

If I recall there was a show last year on fishing Northeren Pike on Red Lake. What would you recomend as the best time to go up there pike fishing? I have a 8 year old that loves northern fishing thought that might be good spot to go.

Thanks KLH

[Bob Jensen]

Late May/early June is a great time for pike on Red Lake. Remember that Red Lake is very influenced by the wind. There will be days when it will be too rough to fish. However, when you can get out, the pike fishing can be tremendous. Reed-Runner spinnerbaits in the rushes were best for us on the last trip. However, that might be a little too much for an eight year old. Sometimes it's too much for a guy in his 40's.

You can also troll the breaks with crankbaits, and we have done very well trolling with Bionic Bucktail Jigs in the 1 or 2 ounce size and tipped with a sucker or 7-10 inch Power Worm.

Give Red Lake a try, and remember to put the pike back.

Best Fishes,

Bob Jensen

[moreyes]

Thanks for the info, yep do the CPR. I thought I would take him to a good northern lake dont plan on getting to intense just fun. He caught a 28" 2 years ago almost pulled him over. Also keep up the great shows.

Thanks KLH

[Piscatorian]

Are you referring to Red Lake in Ontario? I haven't been there for about 20 years. I know there is a TON of gold mining going on in that area right now, and that gold mining is a very dirty business. I'm curious if anyone has any opinions on how it has affected the lake so far. Hopefully, it has not.

[Bob Jensen]

This is Red Lake in northern MN. About an hour north of Bemidji. Great crappie and northern pike lake, and will be a tremendous walleye lake when the sanctions are removed, IF it is taken care of between now and then.

Best Fishes,


Bob Jensen

[Piscatorian]

Oh, I'm sorry. I have heard that is a great pike lake. Question for you Bob. Don't the Indians control one half of that lake? Is that the issue you are referring to regarding the walleye? What is the story there?

[Bob Jensen]

There is actually Upper and Lower Red Lake, they are connected. They are both huge bodies of water. We can fish on the upper part of Upper Red Lake, the rest of of Upper and all of Lower are off limits. I'm not sure which reservation the lakes are on, and I think members of that reservation can fish on the lakes anywhere.

Walleye fishing on Upper Red Lake was tremendous, but netting reduced the walleye populations to the point where there were almost no walleyes. There was a 10 year moratorium on walleye fishing placed on Upper Red Lake 4-5 years ago. Incidental walleye catches indicate that the population has bounced back quickly. When the moratorium is lifted, Red Lake should provide tremendous walleye fishing, but if netting is allowed, history will repeat itself. The Red Lakes could provide so many world class fishing opportunities if they were allowed to do so. Walleyes, pike, and crappies are big and abundant here.

Best Fishes,

Bob Jensen

[Mouskie]

Red Lake, Jefferson County, New York. In the area called "Indian River Lakes Region" -- twelve beautiful glacial lakes just 30 minutes from the mighty St. Lawrence. The camp I built, but no longer own, on Red Lake (great walleye/bass lake) still stands after 35 years and I visit it occasionally, trying to recapture old times. It works. Kinda...